🗞️Today’s Headlines

Everything important that’s ever happened on January 26:

2001 — A massive earthquake struck near Bhuj, Gujarat, India, killing more than 20,000 people and causing extensive damage.

1950 — India became a republic, officially severing ties with British rule and adopting its own constitution.

1942 — First US forces landed in Northern Ireland, beginning their European deployment and strengthening Allied efforts in World War II.

1885 — British General Charles George Gordon and his forces were killed in Khartoum by Mahdist fighters after a prolonged siege.

1837 — Michigan joined the United States as the 26th state, expanding the Union’s western frontier.

1788 — The first European settlement was established in Australia, marking the beginning of British colonization.

🎂 Today’s Birthdays

On January 26, we’re singing to:

Bessie Coleman (1892) — Trailblazing aviator who became the first African-American woman and Native American to hold a pilot's license and inspired generations of aviators.

Nicolae Ceaușescu (1918) — Controversial president of Romania whose authoritarian rule shaped the country's modern history and ended dramatically during the 1989 revolution.

Paul Newman (1925) — Iconic actor and philanthropist known for roles in Cool Hand Luke and The Hustler, as well as his charitable Newman’s Own food brand.

Angela Davis (1944) — Renowned activist, scholar, and author recognized for her work in civil rights, prison reform, and social justice movements.

Ellen DeGeneres (1958) — Emmy-winning comedian and television host celebrated for The Ellen DeGeneres Show and her contributions to LGBTQ+ representation in entertainment.

 🪦Who Died Today?

On January 26, we’re saying goodbye to:

Nikolaus Otto (1891) — German engineer credited with inventing the internal combustion engine, which revolutionized transportation and industry.

Nikolai Vavilov (1943) — Russian geneticist and botanist known for his groundbreaking research in crop diversity and his tragic persecution under Stalin’s regime.

Lucky Luciano (1962) — Notorious crime boss who played a pivotal role in organizing modern American organized crime and establishing the Mafia Commission.

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